Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "break in" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: entering by force, interrupting, wearing something until comfortable, and training someone or something new.
To enter a building or place illegally, usually by damaging a door or window.
The most direct and common verb for breaking into a building, especially for robbery.
泥棒が家に押し入った。
A burglar broke into the house.
A more formal term for illegal entry, used in news and legal contexts.
犯人は窓から侵入した。
The criminal broke in through the window.
To force open a door, window, or lock. Emphasizes the physical act of prying or breaking.
誰かがドアをこじ開けようとした跡がある。
There are signs that someone tried to break in the door.
To interrupt a conversation or activity, often abruptly.
Literally 'cut into a conversation'. The most natural way to say 'break in' when someone interrupts speaking.
彼は私の話に割り込んだ。
He broke in on my story.
To interrupt someone speaking, often rudely. Can be used for breaking into a conversation.
彼女は私の言葉を遮った。
She broke in on what I was saying.
To cut in with a comment, often politely or to add something. Implies inserting a remark.
ちょっと口を挟んでもいいですか。
May I break in for a moment?
To wear new shoes, clothes, or use equipment until it becomes comfortable and fits well.
Specifically for shoes. Means to break in by wearing repeatedly.
新しい靴を履き慣らすのに数日かかった。
It took a few days to break in the new shoes.
For clothes in general. To wear until soft and comfortable.
このジーンズは着慣らすまで硬い。
These jeans are stiff until you break them in.
For tools, equipment, or machinery. To use until it works smoothly.
To train a new employee or tame a horse so they become accustomed to the work or environment.
For new employees. Means to train or break in a new worker.
彼は新人を教育するのが上手だ。
He's good at breaking in new staff.
Specifically for animals, especially horses. To break in or tame.
その馬はまだ調教されていない。
That horse hasn't been broken in yet.
A softer way to say 'break in' for a person: to get them used to the job.
新人を仕事に慣れさせるのに一週間かかった。
It took a week to break in the new guy.
The English phrasal verb 'break in' cannot be directly translated as 壊して入る or similar. Always use the context-appropriate Japanese expression.
新しいグローブを使い慣らす必要がある。
I need to break in my new glove.